Pakistani-origin family killed in London house fire

A Pakistani-origin woman and her three children died in a house fire early Saturday morning in Brent, north-west London, prompting a murder investigation, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 1:20am on Tillett Close, Stonebridge. The victims have been identified as a 43-year-old woman, her 15-year-old daughter, and two sons aged eight and four. Authorities confirmed that the deceased woman was the mother of the children.

Two adjoining three-storey terraced houses were extensively damaged by the fire. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said 70 firefighters and eight fire engines from stations across Wembley, Park Royal, and Willesden tackled the blaze.

Two other family members—a woman in her 70s and a teenage girl—were rescued and taken to hospital. Their conditions have not been disclosed.

Police arrested a 41-year-old man outside the property on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not released details on his identity or relationship to the victims.

Local MP Dawn Butler expressed condolences, calling it a “very sad tragedy” and extended prayers to the affected family.

Neighbours described the family as “really good people” who had moved from Pakistan to the UK more than two decades ago. One resident said they were awakened by the sounds of smashing and screaming before witnessing the fire.

The London Fire Brigade reported that one woman and a child were rescued from the second floor by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and received immediate emergency care.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and police have urged the public to avoid speculation as inquiries are ongoing.